Parents need to be more vigilant than ever with regards to what is happening in their children’s school. It is no longer solely an environment for learning reading, writing, and arithmetic. The academic curriculum has necessarily broadened in some ways but it has also become an opportunity for outside influences, which may or may not be benign.
Of great concern is the infiltration of schools by “BIG” corporations. These corporations have done extensive research into the efficacy of using schools to promote and sell their products. They know IT WORKS! They want to capture consumers in their formative years and keep them for the duration of their lives. Schools are the ideal place to make that happen.
In the guise of improving education, equity, or physical and mental health, these corporations move into schools and may proceed to circumvent parental controls in physical and mental healthcare choices and collecting data on children.
No matter which partnerships the schools decide to implement, they should all require clear communication between parents and schools. Unfortunately, it often does not happen. A key concept for parents to understand is what it means to “opt in” or “opt out”. Some schools will inform parents about a service or program and the parents will need to say “Yes, I want my child to participate” (opt in) for it to happen. Other schools will make their programs include all children by default. Parents must actively opt out, saying “No, I do not want my child to participate.”
Many “Back to School” packets include forms that must be examined carefully. Make sure you know what you are agreeing to, what rights you may be signing away or what rights you may be losing by NOT signing. The following topics are of great concern to ourselves and our partner organizations. We’ve brought together the best resources from Children’s Health Defense, Pennsylvania Coalition for Informed Consent, Health Freedom PA, Stand for Health Freedom and several safe technology groups.
Vaccine Mandates and Exemptions
Do you understand your rights to vaccine exemptions as a resident of Pennsylvania? Do you know how to exercise your rights?
School-Based Health Centers
Does your school have a school based health center? What will they do for your child and will you be involved?
School-Based Mental Health Services
Does your school provide mental health services for students? What do they provide and will you be involved?
In-School Questionnaires
Does your school administer this type of questionnaire? Who is collecting this data and what will they do with it?
Wireless Technology
How does your child’s school view wireless technology? Do they understand the risks and do they protect the children?